For the past year, the Adolescent Day Program for young people experiencing mental illness operated out of the Gawanggal Mental Health Unit in Bruce. From today, it will operate out of its permanent home: a new, fit-for-purpose space in the new adolescent health-focussed wing of the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, built as part of the $50 million Centenary Hospital Expansion Project.
“Being based in this brand-new, welcoming space that was designed specifically for this program will mean the program can truly take flight,” Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health, said.
“The program helps young people remain in the community while experiencing a mental health crisis – while still receiving the support that they need at the right time.”
The program, run by Canberra Health Services’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), offers evidence-based, group activities including cooking, movement, family therapy, art, and psychoeducation, with a focus on developing coping skills.
The structured therapeutic program teaches coping mechanisms, while creating a culture of optimism, healing, empowerment, and inclusion.
“There is a very real need for young people to have immediate, appropriate, and responsive care when they are in crisis mode,” Ms Davidson said.
“The Adolescent Day Program seeks to fill this gap by helping participants to learn and develop skills to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
“When a young person experiences an acute mental illness, it is also a time of high risk, high vulnerability, and high stress for young patients and their families. The program works with participants and their families or carers to safely support them through this challenging time and link them with other community-based support, such as STEPS or CAMHS Community Treating Teams.”
The new purpose-built facility includes education spaces, kitchen and dining areas, an art room, a sensory room, and interview spaces. Entry to the facility is from Gilmore Crescent.
Canberra-based visual artist Jodie Cunningham produced uplifting and engaging artwork for the space.
The voluntary day program is available to young people aged 12 to 18 who have a mental health vulnerability and may be at risk of hospitalisation, or re-hospitalisation, for mental health reasons.
Access to the program is granted through a referral process. Referrals are accepted from CAMHS Acute Services, CAMHS Community, or from a Canberra Health Services mental health inpatient unit.
To learn more about this program, visit Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Acute Adolescent Day Program – Canberra Health Services (act.gov.au)
For more information about Centenary Hospital Expansion Project, visit Centenary Hospital for Women and Children expansion – Built for CBR (act.gov.au)
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
Young Australians needing support can undergo mental health assessments over the phone to decide what type of supports may be helpful via the Access Mental Health Line. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 629 354 (free call).
